How much does a home security system cost?

Investing in a home security system helps protect your home and family. Systems are available with a wide range of services for both homeowners and renters. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to pay for a home security system and the different factors that affect your total cost.

Average cost of a home security system

According to ConsumerAffairs Research Team’s recent cost analysis, on average, you can expect to pay around $35 per month for professional monitoring services, but this cost ranges from $15 to $70, depending on the alarm company.

Cheaper self-monitoring options are also available. If you plan on purchasing your equipment instead of renting it, you’ll pay more upfront. Equipment costs vary significantly, with basic packages starting around $200 and more advanced packages running over $1,000.

Equipment costs vary significantly, with basic packages starting around $200 and more advanced packages running over $1,000.”

Factors that affect the cost of a home security system

Home security monitoring fees range from $15 to $70 per month.

What you’ll pay for a new home security system depends on a few variables, such as equipment costs, services included and the company's pricing model.

Many professional home security providers roll equipment costs into the monthly monitoring fee. In this case, you'll be locked into a contract ranging from one to five years while you pay for the equipment. You may incur early termination fees if you cancel your monitoring services before your contract is up.

DIY home security models typically allow you to purchase equipment upfront and then either elect to add on professional monitoring services — typically at a lower monthly rate than non-DIY providers — or monitor the system yourself at no cost or a small fee (some systems include video recording and cloud storage). DIY plans typically come with less strict contract requirements or even no-contract options.

Costs to consider

There are a few upfront and ongoing costs you can expect when purchasing a home security system. Don’t forget to factor in the annual cost of system maintenance and upkeep, such as replacing batteries or ordering new equipment like additional cameras or key fobs.

• Professional monitoring: Professional monitoring includes 24/7 access to a live call center that monitors your system. If an alarm is triggered, someone in the monitoring system will call to check on you and can request emergency services on your behalf. A monitored system typically runs between $15 to $70 per month, or around $35 on average.
• Security equipment: Depending on the provider, you may have the option to purchase the equipment upfront, finance it with a monthly payment or rent it. If you pay upfront, you’ll likely save money in the long run.

  Rolling equipment costs into a monthly payment remains a popular option because it makes home security systems more affordable for most people. If you choose to finance your equipment with your professional monitoring cost, expect to pay a little more for each month’s service.

• Installation: Some companies charge a one-time installation fee to set up your system. Professional installation fees range from $0 to $450, with most between $99 and $199. You can cut this cost altogether if you choose a DIY wireless system instead.
• Alarm permits: Depending on your location and the type of device, you may need to apply for an alarm permit with your local government. Paying annually for an alarm permit ensures emergency services show up at your property when necessary. It can also help protect you against fines for false alarms.

Security equipment cost

When buying home security equipment, you’ll have the option to select from prearranged packages filled with the company’s most popular devices or build a customized system for your needs and budget.

The cost of the preselected packages we researched across 12 popular home security providers ranged from $179 to $1,049, with most coming in between $200 and $600. Starter packages typically include intrusion detection devices (door and window sensors, motion detectors, etc.) and a central control panel or keypad. More advanced security systems add in equipment like indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, environmental sensors, smart lights, smart locks and other home automation features.

Compare popular security packages

Package name	Smart Security Essential	The Essentials	Custom system
Control panel
Motion detector
Entry sensors	2	3	3
Cameras		1 (HD)	1 (indoor)
Yard sign	1
List price	$199	$259	$423
Promotional cost offered	None	$207	$145.80

	Smart Security Essential			2		1	$199	None
	The Essentials			3	1 (HD)		$259	$207
	Custom system			3	1 (indoor)		$423	None

*At the time of publishing

You’re likely to find a pre-built home security package that will work for you. One good thing about customizing your system, however, is you can start small and add on later as you see fit or your budget or needs increase.

Individual security equipment costs

Smart home cost

Syncing your security system with smart-home automation is becoming more and more popular. In addition to lights and locks, you can add smart garage door controls and smart thermostats to a home security system and integrate them with voice-activated devices like Google Home and Amazon Alexa for a fully connected experience.

Many major home security companies offer their own smart-home equipment. Others make their systems compatible with external home automation devices and Z-Wave technology, so all your devices can communicate with each other.

Home security system cost comparison

To compare systems, consider both upfront equipment costs and ongoing monthly fees. Often, a home security company will sell you equipment at low or no upfront cost, and then you pay it off over the length of your contract. In this case, the monthly fee combines costs for monitoring service and equipment financing. If you don’t want to get into a contract, you’re better off buying a home security system outright.

Below, we compare three popular home security companies on upfront costs, monthly monitoring fees, financing options, cancellation fees, contract terms and money-back guarantees.

Click “Read reviews” to find more company details and to read verified customer reviews. Learning from existing customers is one of the best ways to find a reliable system from a trustworthy company.

Monthly monitoring fee	$28.99 to $57.99	$15 to $25	$19.99 to $29.99+
Upfront equipment cost	$599 to $1,049; financing available	$129 to $489	Provides custom quotes; requires $599.99 to qualify for best monitoring rate
Installation cost	$99 to $199	$0; DIY installation	$49 to $199
Contract terms	36 to 60 months	No contract required	Month-to-month available; 60 months if financing
Cancellation fee	75% of remaining contract	None	100% of remaining contract
Trial period or guarantee	6-month money-back guarantee	60-days; 100% satisfaction or return for full refund	Not listed
Customer satisfaction	Read ADT reviews	Read SimpliSafe reviews	Read Vivint reviews

	$28.99 to $57.99	$599 to $1,049; financing available	$99 to $199	36 to 60 months	75% of remaining contract	6-month money-back guarantee	Read ADT reviews
	$15 to $25	$129 to $489	$0; DIY installation	No contract required	None	60-days; 100% satisfaction or return for full refund	Read SimpliSafe reviews
	$19.99 to $29.99+	Provides custom quotes; requires $599.99 to qualify for best monitoring rate	$49 to $199	Month-to-month available; 60 months if financing	100% of remaining contract	Not listed	Read Vivint reviews

All information is accurate as of publishing date.

Are home security systems worth it?

The average break-in costs a homeowner $2,661.

According to the FBI, the average break-in in 2019 costs a homeowner $2,661. Home security systems can deter burglars, call emergency services with the press of a button and allow you to monitor your property while you're away.

While some advanced systems can be pricey if you want to purchase all of your equipment upfront, most are relatively affordable with financing plans. With the average professional monitoring plan running just under $35 per month, you’re looking at around $400 each year to protect against a potentially much more expensive loss.

If you’re on the fence about whether one of these systems is right for your home, consider if the upfront and monthly costs of a system fit into your budget, and evaluate the crime rate and trends in your area. Even in areas where crime is low, the presence of a security system provides a real sense of comfort to homeowners.

Next, read about finding the best home security camera, or take our quick quiz to get matched with a new home security system.